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This musical is actually a filmed live performance of the story of King Stephan I of Hungary (ca. 977-1038) who brought Roman Catholicism into the country, united previously separate Magyar states, suppressed pagan beliefs by force, reformed the Church, and supported monasteries and abbeys. He was canonized in 1083 and is the patron saint of Hungary. "Istvan, A Kiraly" was an already popular rock opera and its albums selling well when director Gabor Koltay decided to film a full performance in 1984. Cinematic techniques such as slow motion and freeze-framing add to the drama, just as Dolby Stereo brings out the vocal and instrumental tonalities of the very professional singers and musicians.